Sugar Mountain – What’s New for 2007-2008!

As we mentioned last week – as usual, I’m never quite ready for ski season to crank up when it does. Okay, that didn’t come off the way I intended it! OF COURSE, I’m ready for snow and the fun of snow skiing; however, I am never quite PREPARED for it in terms of the content and updates that need to be posted to this website to keep you guys up to date with all the new things going on at the resorts. In case you missed an earlier update, so far we’ve covered dedicated, "What’s New At…" articles for Appalachian Ski Mountain, Cataloochee and Snowshoe Mountain. You can click on each of the links below to see that information on their dedicated pages. Remember that you can ALWAYS visit the dedicated SkiNC and SkiSoutheast.com pages for all of the ski areas to see lots of information that you simply won’t find anywhere else. SkiNC and SkiSoutheast.com is the ONLY source that provides you guys with the morning temps at all fo the ski areas (that are open), the total snowfall to date at all of the resorts and of course the accurate slope conditions, lodging links, live cams and more!

Since we track all of that kind of data and more, every day of the season, we are also the only source that can show you what the AVERAGE snowfall is for each ski area AND the snowfall totals for the previous years. The fact that we archive data allows us to provide information that literally allows our visitors to "map an entire season".

Anyway, without further ado, click on the resort of your choice below to see the "What’s New for 2007-2008" stories that we have posted thus far.

Sugar Mountain "won" the marketing feat this year for being the first ski area to open in the Southeast and Mid Atlantic (and North Carolina) for the 2007-2008 season, when they opened four hours earlier than Cataloochee on Wednesday, November 7th. Sugar was the second resort to open in the entire east, behind Sunday River in Maine.

Gunther Jochl’s crew have really been busy this off-season and they showed a lot of excitement in opening on November 7th. Jochl, who is the President of Sugar Mountain Ski Resort was quoted Wednesday saying, "We’ve been opening early each season. We usually do it before Thanksgiving, but this cold spell looked good, we had some machinery we wanted to try out and it just felt right.”

That "machinery that they wanted to try out" was more than SIX THOUSAND FEET of new, snowmaking pipes and several new snowmaking machines. Slope conditions continue to be a top priority at Sugar Mountain Resort. Always praised for some of the best snow in the region, Sugar has taken added steps to ensure that visitors continue to rate them at the top of that all-important category.

As a result, more than six thousand feet of snowmaking pipes have been replaced and upgraded from the lower mid-loading station to the three quarters unloading station of the Yellow Lift.

Several new snowmaking machines and a Pisten Bully 100 snow-grooming machine were purchased solely for the upkeep and maintenance of the Tubing Park! These new purchases will allow the Tubing Park to open earlier, close later and aid in maintaining consistent tube run conditions throughout the winter season.

Sugar already has among the best "arsenal" of groomers for the ski terrain.

Sugar Adds Ice Skating!

New at Sugar Mountain for the 2007-2008 season is a brand new, 10,000 square foot refrigerated outdoor ice skating rink!

The ice skating rink is tentatively scheduled to open on Thanksgiving day with 6 daily sessions. Skate sessions are 1 ¾ hours long and are available at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. Three-hundred pairs of rental skates are available. Special session bookings can be accommodated upon request. The ice rink is located adjacent to parking lot D and the Tubing Park.

Top Events for the 2007-2008 Season:

This January, Sugar Mountain Resort will once again host a National Winter Trails Day, a nationwide event offering children and adults, new to snow sports, the chance to try snowshoeing for FREE.

Sugar Mountain is the largest ski area in North Carolina by about 20 acres (total of 115 acres of skiable terrain). Sugar is located in the beautiful Village of Sugar Mountain, right off of Hwy 184. Sugar Mountain also boasts the largest vertical drop (1200′) in the state.

The popular mountain offers some great stay and play ski packages with area lodging companies.

The lodge at the base of the mountain offers ski and snowboard rentals, cafeterias, lounge, sports shop, locker room and gift shop.

Sugar also offers snowshoeing (unique to the area), a snowboarding park that is closed to skiers, and a 700′ long tubing park that is fun for the whole family!

Dramatic Scenery!

Sugar Mountain may offer some of the most dramatic panoramic views from atop their mountain. The ride to the top is notoriously slow, however it is worth every minute as you will experience some of the best views in the region.

SkiSoutheast and SkiNorthCarolina has long advised visitors to the area about Sugar Mountain’s great beginner terrain. Easy Street, which is kind of segregated from the main slopes offers a gentle grade that is perfect for new skiers and snowboarders. Also for those who are a little "anxious" about riding high chairlifts, you will love the lift on Easy Street, as it will allow you to get acclimated for when you’re ready to move up to more challenging trails.

Advanced skiers will want to try Tom Terrific, Boulder Dash and Whoopdedoo which are all favorites for more experienced skiers. Whoopdedoo is the only double-black diamond trail in the area.

Want a little Competition?

Sugar Mountain’s racing program includes weekend NASTAR races and highly competitive invitational races. There are many types of races scheduled during the season for competitors and spectators. Snowboarding comps, youth racing and more.

Après Ski?

The perfect place for adults to end a day of fine skiing is within the Last Run Lounge, located in the base lodge. They offer all of your favorite adult beverages and you can hang with your friends and perhaps even make some new ones. The Last Run Lounge offers televisions (usually showing the weather channel or sports), great snacks and a warm fireplace.

Lodging Profile:

Lodging on Sugar Mountain ranges from motel type rooms and condos to chalets and homes. Sugar Mountain has arranged some nice packages with area lodging companies that can save you up to 40% on lodging, lift tickets, rentals, and even lessons. You can also see special lodging choices by clicking on – Sugar Mountain Lodging and Rentals

Mike is the Editor and founder of SkiSoutheast.com, SkiNC.com and ResortCams.com. Since September 1996 he has posted close to 14,000 posts, articles, photos and videos promoting all of the ski areas of North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland.Mike is the father of four daughters, is an avid skier and enjoys golf, tennis, kayaking and hiking in the mountains. Winter snowsports and Summer boating on Watauga Lake are among his favorite pastimes.

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